Steep Cut Slope Composting: Field Trials and Evaluation

Three different depths of compost and five compost retention techniques were tested to determine their efficacy and cost effectiveness for increasing the establishment of native grass seedings and decreasing erosion on steep roadside cut slopes in southwest Montana. The depths of compost selected were: 0.32 cm (0.13 in.), 0.64 cm (0.25 in.) and 1.27 cm (0.5 in.). The compost retention methods utilized a coconut-straw fiber fabric, lightweight plastic netting and three commercially available tackifiers: 1) a polymer emulsion liquid, 2) a guar-based water dispersible formulation, and 3) a Plantago-based seed husk powder. Compost application rates of 1.27–2.54 cm (0.5–1 in.) are recommended for establishment of sufficient vegetation cover, estimated to result in 16–26 percent native bunchgrass cover in arid climates in Montana. These recommended application rates are estimated to cost between $41,160 and $82,171/hectare ($16,657 and $33,254/acre) based on plot construction methods from this study using a blower truck. Compost retention treatments employing physical retention of compost such as coconut-straw fiber fabric or lightweight plastic netting were effective in limiting the loss of applied compost. The tackifiers gave confounding results on their ability to retain compost.

• Record URL:
  http://www.mdt.mt.gov/research/projects/env/organic_matter.shtml
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Western Transportation Institute

  Montana State University, Bozeman
  P.O. Box 174250
  Bozeman, MT  United States  59717-4250

  Montana Department of Transportation

  2701 Prospect Avenue
  P.O. Box 201001
  Helena, MT  United States  59620-1001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Ament, Robert
  • Jennings, Stuart
  • Blicker, Pam
• Publication Date: 2011-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Edition: Final Report (Phase III)
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 116p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Compost; Cost effectiveness; Embankments; Erosion control; Field tests; Grasses; Native plants
• Uncontrolled Terms: Coconut fiber blankets; Plastic mesh; Tackifiers
• Geographic Terms: Montana
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01341255
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-MT/10-008/8196
• Contract Numbers: MDT Project No. 8196
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: May 31 2011 11:27AM